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Whether you are visiting with the family or you’re a committed mountain biker Tavistock Woodlands has riding for everyone
Tavistock Woodlands is one of the most historically significant areas of the Tamar valley. Devon Great Consuls (to give it its proper title) mining heritage is so rich that it earned World Heritage status a few years ago. Although the mines closed for the last time in the 1930s their legacy lives on in the form of some great terrain for cycling.
Below I’ve outlined a gentle 6km family trail but you'll need to get yourself to the correct side of the expansive site. From Tavistock and the East you need to take the A390 towards Gunnislake. After going straight over the roundabout at Gulworthy cross follow the brown "Tamar Trails" signs. Likewise from Callington and the west you'll need to get onto the A390 following the signs from Gunnislake. You'll end up at the newly refurbished Tamar Trails Centre. The Centre offers many activities for visitors from walking to a high ropes course or just eating cake at the cafe! The trails are clearly marked from the Centre and although they are wide and not technically difficult they can get very wet and muddy, so be prepared!
This 6km ride starts by heading away from the Centre on the track bed of the old mining railway, a wooded and gently descending trail that take you past the old Wheal Emma and Wheal Fanny mines before coming out in the open at the railway tunnel and mining spoil tips. A short and easy uphill takes you to the heart of the old Arsenic production site. It's well worth a hop off the bike for a wander around the restored ruins here. You'll find out some scary facts about just how much arsenic was produced at this mine. From the arsenic plants hop back on and follow the green markers of the Wheal Maria trail. As you ride along the open track take time to look at the views across the valley, they are truly fabulous. The next 800m pass through the area used by Gawton Gravity Hub for their downhill mountain bike tracks so please keep an eye and an ear out for bikes crossing the main track at speed! After the downhill area you've got a tight left hand corner followed by a lovely long descent, again you'll meet the Gawton Gravity hub tracks so keep alert. After a nice roll along the lower track you'll need to turn left at the 3 way junction and start the climb back up to the old railway line. Although about 10 minutes long the gradient is gentle until the last 200m, it does become a bit of a 1st gear grind. Or if you're sensible- hop off and push! When you get back to the arsenic works, take a right onto the railway and in 15 mins you'll be back at the cafe eating a well earned slice of cake.
Andy Boyle
Dartmoor Cycles, Tavistock